updated 10:10 am EST, Mon March 1, 2010

Wacom updates largest display to get new controls

Wacom used the advent of CeBIT to roll out a refresh of its largest tablet display, the Cintiq 21UX. The 21-inch display revolves around a new stylus that provides much higher sensitivity: it can work at 2,048 different gradients (twice the previous best) and is sensitive enough that it can register input with only the slightest contact. Sketch artists and others that depend on line strength are those most likely to reap the benefit.

On top of its core input, the redesign also has two new touch strips on the back that lets users scroll or zoom while holding the tablet in a more natural position. Eight keys on each side of the front provide access to common shortcuts. Sitting by itself, the Cintiq can stand at angles between 10 and 65 degrees but can also be mounted to a VESA arm.

The 21UX comes with a weighted pen stand as well as Corel Painter Sketch Pad, Nik Color Efex Pro, and the Wacom Brushes 3.0 plugin for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements 4. It will carry a price of $1,999 and should be available in most countries of the Americas by late this month or early April.